A Conversation on Poverty and Segregation

Tuesday, January 17, 2006: The UNC Center for Civil Rights, the Black Law Student Association and the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity hosted Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II for an inspiring lecture and subsequent conversation on race and poverty. Rev. Barber encouraged each member of the audience to be "a conscientious objector" on issues such as resegregation, the abandonment of low-income children, and on the vast problems of poverty in this country and in the world. Rev. Barber spoke eloquently and passionately about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing the need to organize progressive voices and stand by our constitutional and moral obligations to a society built upon justice. He encouraged the students, faculty, community members, and staff in attendance to "object" to being simply comfortable in our environment and to take a stand on issues of poverty and segregation. Listen to his powerful speech.